Gable type beverage container with straw



Jan. 22, 1963 w. A. PUGH GABLE TYPE BEVERAGE CONTAINER WITH STRAW Filed April 5, 1960 MY/iam A. Pug/1 INVENTOR. @waafi'm. wfl vm Jan. 22, 1963 w. A. PUGH GABLE TYPE BEVERAGE CONTAINER WITH STRAW 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 5, 1960 W/W/am A. Pugh INVENTOR.

BY MW FM w. A. PUGH GABLE TYPE BEVERAGE CONTAINER WITH STRAW Jan. 22, 19 3 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April 5, 1960* W/7/iam A Pug/1 IN VEN TOR. BY m, 22%

Jan. 22, 1963 w. A. PUGH 3,074,610

' GABLE TYPE BEVERAEE CONTAINER WITH STRAW Filed April 5, 1960 I 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 M'l/iam A. Pugh INVENTOR.

Jan. 22, 1963 w. A. PUGH 3,074,610

GABLE TYPE BEVERAGE CONTAINER w rm STRAW Filed April 5. 1960 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 m'lliam A. Pug/1 INVENTOR.

BY (Wm q Jan. 22, 1963 w. A. PUGH GABLE TYPE BEVERAGE CONTAINER WITH STRAW 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed April 5, 1960 25 I00 42 4a 46 68 WFLJZ Y f M 4o 24. 56 2s. 30. 66 3o.

Fig.2?

William A. Pug/r 1N VENTOR.

MM. WWW 3% State Die The present invention generally relates to a novel structural arrangement in containers and more particularly beverage containers or cartons of the closed peak top generally known as the gable type container with the primary object of the present invention being the improvement of the carton and blank and manner of function of the components of the carton. The present invention specifically is an improvement on that construction shown in Patents Nos. 2,047,891 and"2,750,095.

Briefly the carton is that type in which the upper inclined and converging edges of the peak are folded towards the center of the container with the inner edge of the peak then being pulled outwardly to form an open mouth. This type of carton is well adapted for use in distribution of various beverage products and especially in the packaging of milk.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a milk carton in accordance with the preceding discussion in which a score line is provided completely across the inclined portion of the peaked upper end, which fold line provides a fulcrum for folding back or bending back of the gable, thus rendering the bending operation of the gable easier to perform when forming the open mouth.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a container having an openable mouth in one corner of the gable end thereof incorporating in its construction a platform type of device for facilitating the opening of the carton.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a gable type carton having a platform in the closure portion thereof which serves a dual purpose, together with an added thickness of material on the opposite side of the closure from the platform, thus providing for a constant thickness throughout the closure, thereby preventing leakage and the like. The extra thickness may be provided on the side wall or on the end wall, depending upon the orientation of the platform and when the platform is provided on the end wall of the carton, then the portion of the end wall alongside of the platform will be provided with an extra inwardly foldahle fiap while the end wall opposite to the platform will also be provided with an extra thickness of material, all serving to provide a constant thickness of material at the closure.

Yet another feature of the present invention is to provide a platform in accordance with the preceding objects which extends downwardly into the container before filling of the carton, thus preventing foaming of the contents of the carton which is important in filling the carton wit foamy materials.

Still another feature of this invention is to provide a carton construction having a blank which is simple to form with existing machinery but yet one which is easily set up to provide the finished carton. It is another feature of the present invention to provide a carton or container of the type indicated together with a strip incorporated into the carton structure and lightly attached thereto for holding a sipper straw and which also extends into the peak of the carton whereby the carton may be opened and the sipper straw pulled to operating position by a movement of the strip holding the sipper straw.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a container with a sipper straw therein which is quite simple inv construction and in which the coated.

Patented Jan. 22, 1963 container decreases the friction during movement of the sipper straw and the straw ends do not bottom due to the oblique angle of the straw. Central pull on the straw will reduce the whipping of the ends of the straw and the position of the straw enables the containers to be provided with the straw in position and being so arranged by in line machinery thus rendering it relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

With the present invention, the sipper straw is easily lead up through the opening in the container and only one fold is necessary in the straw thus preventing stress on the straw and the straw is more sanitary since it is completely enclosed within the container thus preventing contamination from various insects, water bugs or the like and children or others cannot destroy the sipper straws because they are encased within the container and thus, the recipient has the assurance that the straw within the container will always afford a siphon when need arises which is of a completely sanitary condition and which is completely dependable in operation.

Yet another feature of the present invention is to provide a milk carton or beverage container with a sipper straw together with a platform engaging the straw and also engaged in the secured portion of the container whereby removal of the platform and the straw will cause disruption of the closure for the container.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one form of the present invention illustrating the container in sealed relation such as it would be if it was ready for consumer use;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view illustrating the first step in opening the container and pulling the straw to operative position;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 2 illustrating the arrangement of the container after the next step in opening the container;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the carton illustrating the manner in which the straw is pulled out of the carton for use;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the container in open condition with the straw ready for use;

FIGURE 6 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 6--6 of FIGURE 1 illustrating the details of construction of the container and the relationship of the straws thereto;

FIGURE 7 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line '77 of FIG- URE 6 illustrating further structural details of the invention;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of one of the platforms employed for holding the straw;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of one of the straws;

FIGURE 10 is an end elevational view of a modified form of the present invention;

FIGURE 11 is a perspective View illustrating a tab disposed within the area defined by the roof members;

FIGURE 12 is a perspective View illustrating this form of the invention in the initial stage of opening;

FIGURE 13 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line l313 of FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 14 is a perspective View of one of the platforms for pulling up the straw;

FIGURE 15 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 15-15 of FIGURE 12 illustrating further structural details of the straw engaging means;

FIGURE 16 is a perspective view illustrating another forth of the present invention;

7 FIGURE 17 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 16 but with the carton opened;

FIGURE 18 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 13-18 of FIGURE 16;

FIGURE 19 is a perspective view of one of the platforms for supporting a straw;

FIGURE 20 is a perspective view of another form of the present invention showing the structure partially open with the closure tab having a coating on the inner surface thereof;

FIGURE 21 is a view similar to FIGURE 20 but illustrating a further step in the opening of the carton;

FIGURE 22 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 21 illustrating the final step in taking the straw from the carton for use;

FIGURE 23 is a detailed sectional view of the inven tion illustrating the orientation of the components when in closed position;

FIGURE 24 is a detailed sectional view of the unopenable side edge port-ion of the peak of the carton il-' lustrating the extra thickness incorporated therein for providing an even thickness throughout the length of the closure peak;

FIGURE 25 is a plan view of the blank from which the form of the invention illustrated in FIGURE is formed;

FIGURE 26 is a plan view of a blank from which the form of the invention illustrated in FIGURE 23 is formed;

FIGURE 27 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 27-27 of FIGURE 23; and

FIGURE 28 is a detailed sectional view taken substantially upon a plane passing along section line 28-28 of FIGURE 10.

Referring now specifically to the drawings and particularly to FIGURES 1-9, the numeral 10 generally designates the improved carton or container of the pres: ent invention which includes a flexible straw 12 incorporated into the container so that it will be readily available to a consumer so that the contents of the container may be more easily consumed. The container 10 includes a bottom 14 which may be in the form of a panel or wall together with a front panel or wall 16, a rear panel or wall 18, an end panel and an end panel 22 all of which may be of desired size for producing a container which will hold a desired quantity.

The front panel 16 is provided with an inwardly and upwardly inclined front top panel 24 and the rear wall or panel 18 is provided with a similarly inclined rear top panel 26. The end wall 20 is also provided with a top panel generally designated by the numeral 28 and the opposite end wall 20 is provided with a similar end top panel.

The end top panel 28 is provided with a triangular-section 30 joined to the panel 20 along the top edge thereof or integral therewith which is disposed in an acutely inclined relationship and on either side of the triangular portion 39 which may be termed an isosceles triangular portion are two triangular portions 32 and 34 which are right triangular in shape and which have a hypotenuse engaging the equal sides of the isosceles triangular portion 30. When the end top panel 28 is folded inwardly, the panel 30 is inclined inwardly at an acute angle and the triangular panels 32 and 34 generally lie against the innor surface of the top front panel and top rear panel 24 and 26 respectively.

The top front panel 24 and the top rear panel 26 are each provided with a longitudinal extension designated by the numerals 36 and 38 respectively and theend top panels 28 are each also provided with a longitudinal extension ,40 all of which cooperate to form substantially a peak when the carton is closed; Also,.the front. top

panel is provided with an extension folded inwardly against the top forming extension 36- and the rear panel 26 is provided with an extension 42 overlapping and folding over the top edge of the extension 36 with a portion thereof being secured by a staple type fastener 44 and another portion 46 being secured to the portion secured by a staple along a scored line 48. The foregoing structure as described is that type of carton currently being used in the milk distribution industry and is generally covered by Patent No. 2,750,095. 7

The present invention resides in the straw 12 which is of a flexible nature and which may be constructed of plastic or the like. For removing the straw or pulling it upwardly forv use and also for opening the carton, there is provided an attachment or improvement disposed in the. carton 10 Whicliis generally designated by the numeral 50, and may be considered a platform or the like in the form of a strip of cardboard or paper material simliar to the material from which the carton is constructed andwhich includes a pull'tah 52 joined to a pair oftriangular portions 54 and 56 together with a lower sup porting end 58 havinga reserve fold or loop 60 therein secured in position by a fastener 62. When the platform 59 is incorporated'into the carton, the pull tab 52 extends completely across the width of the portion 46 which will be lifted so that as the pull tab 52 is elevated, the extension 42 will be broken along the score line 48. Thus, as the pull tab 52 is elevated, the carton will be opened inasmuch as the platform 50 will be lightly attached to the carton in one of several positions. It may be attached to the inner surface of the side edge portion of the inclined front wall or panel 24, the inner surface of the rear top panel 26, the inner surface of the triangular portions 32 or 34. In the form of the invention illustrated in FIGURE 1, the pull tab is secured to the inner surface of the front panel 24 and the triangular portion 54 lies along the surface of the front top panel 24 with the fold line 64 between the triangular portions 54 and 5-6 being coincident with the fold line 66 about which the outer edge portions of the top front panel 24 and the rear top panel 26 fold when the carton is opened.

In the form of the invention illustrated in FIGURES 10-15, the structure of the carton is the same as in FIG- URES 1-9 with only an exception which is the provision of inwardly folded tabs in the extension 40 with the tabs 68 being spaced from each other for receiving the platform 70 therebetween. The opposite end wall is also provided with inwardly folding tabs 68 shaped to abut each other when sealed to prevent sifting whereas invthe opening spout of the carton, the platform 70 forms the completion of the area betweenthe inwardly folding tabs 68. In this form of the invention, the platform 70 is attached to the end top panel 32 and includes a central longitudinal fold line 72 coincident with the fold line between the side portions of the top panel extension 40' with one end of the panel including a pull tab 74 and the other end including a loop 76 for supporting a straw 12. Inasmuch as only the extension 40' has been modified when comparing the structure of the carton from FIGURE 1 and FIGURE 10, the same reference numerals employed in FIGURES 1-9 are employed in FIGURES 10 through 15 to designate the details of the carton.

In this form of the invention, the platform 70 is disposed with the pull tab 74- disposed against the outer surface of the apex of the triangular portion 30 so that it may be grasped by a person desiring to open the carton and to pull the straw to accessible position. The platform is also provided with a fold line 78 coincident with the upper edge of the end top panel extension 40' with the remainder of the platform conforming to the surface of the completed carton.

The form of the invention illustrated in FIGURES 16-19 includes the same type of carton employed in the formof the invention illustrated inFlGURES 1-9 and the same reference numerals are incorporated therein. In this form of the invention, the supporting platform is generally designated by the numeral Sil and includes an elongated pull tab 82 and a portion 84 extending under the openable portion 46 of the peak of the carton with the main body of the platform being designated by the numeral 86 and having inclined edges 88 which narrow the platform so that it will have one edge generally conforming with the edge of the triangular portion 39 of the end top panel thereby decreasing the bulkiness of the platform and the lower end thereof is provided with a loop 90 for supporting the straw 12. This device operates in the same manner as the other forms of the invention.

FIGURES 20-24 illustrate a similar type of carton employing a similar type of platform. The difference in this form of the invention is that the tear-up portion 46 of the fold-over extension 42 is provided with a coating of Teflon or a metallic foil material designated by the numeral 92 which overlies the pull tab 94 of the straw supporting platform 96. In this form of the platform 95 there is provided an aperture 98 through which the straw '12 extends with the lower end of the platform 96 being reversely folded for reinforcement. The orientation of the platform in relation to the top is shown in FIGURE 23 and note that the coating 92 engages the outer surface of the platform. Also, the metallic foil coating is provided on the inner and outer surfaces of the extension 40. This foil will straddle the end of the carton or cover the inner and outer surfaces to permit the ends to be opened after the ends have been closed. When the ends are closed the edges will not be annealed together when heat sealed due to the metallic foil coating. In order to provide the same thickness across the peak, an additional tab 1% is attached to the inner surface of the extension portion 40 to which the platform 96 is attached. In other words, the platform 96 extends across the inner surface of one-half of the extension 49 on one side and the additional tab extends across the corresponding portion of the extension 40 on the other side whereby the peak is provided with the same number of thicknesses of material on each side with the coating providing one thickness.

In each form of the invention, the straw attachment may be in the form of the reinforced aperture or the reversely folded loop. Further. the use of the metallic foil coating or Tefion coating is provided to prevent the carton from being heat sealed shut if the carton is plastic coated rather than being coated of a hot melt wax. Thus, each form of the invention may be provided with the aluminum foil or other metallic foil coating or a Teflon or other plastic material coating if the carton is to be plastic coated rather than hot melt wax coated. Also, the strip or platform holding the straw is to be coated in the same manner as the carton thus preventing the platform from becoming saturated with the contents of the carton.

The carton is relatively inexpensive and is made of one-piece construction and can be made on the present machinery of the organizations who manufacture cartons for dairy use. The only additional cost is the fold-down platform and a plastic straw which are quite inexpensive and which are compensated for by the additional features such as sanitation and convenience of use. For example, a child or other person may easily consume" a drink without hunting for a straw and this enables this type of carton to be readily dispensed from a vending machine or by other vendors without the vending machine or the vendor having to distribute a separate straw with each carton. This device also provides a leak-proof or sift-proof carton due to the constant thickness or layers employed therein and these additional thicknesses also reinforce the top to prevent movement or vibration thereof which will normally break a seal and permit leakage. Also, the opening of the carton is simplified by the present invention since be broken.

it is only necessary to grasp the pull tab and pull upardly and then pull in the desired manner depending upon which way the platform is attached for opening the carton completely. The orientation of the straw is such that the ends thereof do not bottom onto the carton if desired and the central pull on the straw reduces the whipping of the end of the straw when it is pulled out of the carton. Further, the position of the straw enables the cartons to be filled with the straw in position without resorting to any modification whatsoever of the filling machinery. Only a single fold is provided in the straw thus reducing the stress on the straw and preventing fatigue of the straw which will cause it to disrupt or Of course, the straw is always available when it is needed and is more sanitary by being enclosed within the container thus preventing contamination from various insects and also to prevent contamination by human handling.

The present invention may be incorporated into various modifications of the platform as long as it conforms with the inner surface of the openable spout portion of the container and will perform the function of initially opening the carton and then pulling up a straw for use thereby rendering the contents of the container more readily consumable in a more efficient and sanitary manner.

As will clearly illustrated in the drawings, the score line 66 extends completely across the inclined end of the gable for providing a fulcrum for folding back the edges of the gable when forming an open mouth. Thus, by placing the platform and the fold line as indicated, which is also provided as indicated by numeral 101, which is disposed on the overlying flap 162. The platform provides a double reinforcement inside the carton; hence the score lines act as a fulcrum for folding back the edges of the gable to form an open mouth. This condition is shown specifically in FIGURES 25 and 26 with FIGURE 5 illustrating the orientation of the extensions on the end walls while FIGURE 26 illustrates the flaps on the end and side walls for producing a leakproof carton. The foldown flap inside of the end section to equalize the end thickness is quite important and is formed by the particular construction of the cut-out blank.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A beverage container comprising a parallelepiped receptacle having a peaked closure at the upper end thereof, the end walls of the receptacle being folded inwardly and forming a part of the closure, said closure being completed by an upper edge of one side wall being folded over a portion of the other side wall and secured thereto, thereby forming a gable-type upper end for the receptacle, a platform folded into the closure and depending into the container, said platform including a tab extending exteriorly of the folded closure whereby the tab may be grasped and pulled thereby rupturing the closure for providing access to the contents of the receptacle, the portion of the closure receiving the platform being coated with a metallic foil to prevent positive adherence of these components thereby facilitating the detachment of these components and facilitating the opening of the receptacle by pulling on the tab, the portion of the platform depending into the container including means thereon for supporting a sipper straw whereby extraction of the platform after the folded closure has been ruptured will pull the straw up through the access opening formed by rupture of the closure thereby enabling the straw to be employed for consuming the. beverage in the container.

2. A gable top beverage container comprising a parallelepiped receptacle having a peaked closure at the upper end thereof with the gable end walls being folded inwardly and forming a part of the closure, said closure being formed by the top edge of one side wall being folded over a portion of the top edge of the other side wall and secured thereto, a platform folded into the closure and depending into the receptacle, said platform being in the form of a strip of paperboard independent of the container and including a pull tab at. the top end thereof disposed exteriorly of the closure whereby pull on the tab will rupture the closure and draw the platform out through the top of the container, and means on the bottom end of the platform for engaging a straw for drawing the straw out through the top of the container.

3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein the portion of the closure receiving the platform is coated with a; metallic foilto prevent positive adherence of these components thereby facilitating the detachment thereof when the tab is pulled for opening the container.

4. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein the platform extends only a portion of the width of the" closure, the portion of the closure alongside of the platforming having an extra thickness of material equal in thickness to the platform thereby providing equal thicknesses of material throughout the closure for preventing sifting of the contents of the container.

References Cited inv the file of this patent- UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. A BEVERAGE CONTAINER COMPRISING A PARALLELEPIPED RECEPTACLE HAVING A PEAKED CLOSURE AT THE UPPER END THEREOF, THE END WALLS OF THE RECEPTACLE BEING FOLDED INWARDLY AND FORMING A PART OF THE CLOSURE, SAID CLOSURE BEING COMPLETED BY AN UPPER EDGE OF ONE SIDE WALL BEING FOLDED OVER A PORTION OF THE OTHER SIDE WALL AND SECURED THERETO, THEREBY FORMING A GABLE-TYPE UPPER END FOR THE RECEPTACLE, A PLATFORM FOLDED INTO THE CLOSURE AND DEPENDING INTO THE CONTAINER, SAID PLATFORM INCLUDING A TAB EXTENDING EXTERIORLY OF THE FOLDED CLOSURE WHEREBY THE TAB MAY BE GRASPED AND PULLED THEREBY RUPTURING THE CLOSURE FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO THE CONTENTS OF THE RECEPTACLE, THE PORTION OF THE CLOSURE RECEIVING THE PLATFORM BEING COATED WITH A METALLIC FOIL TO PREVENT POSITIVE ADHERENCE OF THESE COMPONENTS THEREBY FACILITATING THE DETACHMENT OF THESE COMPONENTS AND FACILITATING THE OPENING OF THE RECEPTACLE BY PULLING ON THE TAB, THE PORTION OF THE PLATFORM DEPENDING INTO THE CONTAINER INCLUDING MEANS THEREON FOR SUPPORTING A SIPPER STRAW WHEREBY EXTRACTION OF THE PLATFORM AFTER THE FOLDED CLOSURE HAS BEEN RUPTURED WILL PULL THE STRAW UP THROUGH THE ACCESS OPENING FORMED BY RUPTURE OF THE CLOSURE THEREBY ENABLING THE STRAW TO BE EMPLOYED FOR CONSUMING THE BEVERAGE IN THE CONTAINER. 